ESSA in Colorado - A Conversation on the Implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act

CDE invites educators, district leaders, policymakers and others who are passionate about increasing educational achievement for all students to participate in a conversation about the implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act. We'll post information, questions and guidance from department staff here, and we welcome your ideas, thoughts and feedback.

In March, CDE was notified by the USDE that a state that wants to be considered in the early review window will have up until May 3rd to secure the required signatures and submit their ESSA plan. CDE expects to submit the plan soon.

In February, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to do away with the Obama Administration’s proposed rules regarding ESSA accountability, reporting, and state plans. On March 10, the U.S. Senate also voted to repeal the proposed rules. On Monday, March 24, President Trump signed the order and finalized the repeal process. As a result of the repeal, the U.S.

In order to demonstrate that Colorado meets the requirements of ESSA and to access the funding allocated to the state, CDE must submit a plan to the United States Department of Education for approval. Fundamental to the requirements of the ESSA plan, is that the department engage in meaningful consultation with a broad range of education stakeholders in developing the plan and, once a draft of the plan has been completed, to make the plan available for public comment.

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) moves Section 1118, Parent Involvement, to Section 1116, now titled Parent and Family Engagement within Title I, Part A. Under ESSA, Section 1116, many of the program requirements and allowable activities remain the same, while placing a stronger emphasis on the need for districts and schools to more actively engage with parents and family members.